Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some engaging questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of ancient Greece and its neighbors. Have you ever wondered how different cultures interact and influence each other? How do you think ancient Greece’s relationships with its neighbors shaped its society and culture? Have you heard of any stories or myths about ancient Greece and its interactions with other civilizations?
Consider the following questions to transition into the context of the activity:
- What do you know about ancient Greece and its history?
- Have you ever heard of the term “barbarian” and how it was used in ancient Greece?
- How do you think the interactions between ancient Greece and its neighbors contributed to the development of Western culture?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Take a look at the featured image and analyze what you see. What do you think this activity will be about based on the image? Consider the following questions:
- What objects or characters do you see in the image?
- What do you think the image is trying to convey or represent?
- How does the image relate to ancient Greece and its neighbors?
Introduction:
Read the introduction to the activity and get an overview of the topic. Ancient Greece interacted with neighboring societies, influencing and being influenced by them. This interaction shaped the relationship between ancient Greece and its neighbors over time.
Video Engagement:
Watch the video associated with the activity: Greek and Barbarians – Ancient Civilizations DOCUMENTARY. Pause the video at the following strategic points and reflect on the questions:
- Pause at 5 minutes: What do you think is the main contribution of Thracian warriors to Greek warfare? How did the introduction of the peltist, a lightly armed skirmishing unit, change Greek warfare?
- Pause at 10 minutes: How did the Greeks view the barbarians of classical Greece? What does this reveal about ancient Greek society and culture?
- Pause at 15 minutes: What was the result of Greek colonization? How did it spread Hellenic civilization through distant lands?
For more information, visit the original post: https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/greek-and-barbarians-ancient-civilizations-documentary/
Key Vocabulary:
Review the key vocabulary related to the topic:
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Anatolia | A region in western Asia Minor, corresponding to modern-day Turkey, that played a significant role in ancient Greek history and mythology. | The city of Themiscyra in ancient Anatolia was the mythical home of the Amazons. |
| Amazons | A mythical tribe of warrior women in ancient Greek mythology, known for their bravery and strength. | The Amazons were said to have lived in ancient Anatolia and were often depicted as fierce warriors in Greek art and literature. |
| Hellenic Civilization | The culture and way of life of ancient Greece, characterized by city-states, philosophy, theater, and the arts. | The spread of Hellenic civilization through colonization had a profound impact on the development of Western culture. |
| Peltist | A type of lightly armed skirmishing unit in ancient Greek warfare, introduced by the Thracians. | The peltists played a crucial role in the Peloponnesian War, using their mobility and flexibility to outmaneuver traditional Greek hoplites. |
| Thracians | An ancient Indo-European people who lived in the region of Thrace, in southeastern Europe. | The Thracians had significant cultural and military exchanges with the ancient Greeks, influencing the development of Greek warfare and society. |
| Barbarian | A term used by ancient Greeks to refer to non-Greek peoples, often with connotations of savagery or uncivilization. | The ancient Greeks viewed the Thracians and other neighboring societies as barbarians, but also recognized their cultural and military achievements. |
| Scythian Slaves | A group of slaves from the ancient Scythian people, who were used as a police force in ancient Athens. | The Scythian slaves were used to maintain order and handle prisoners in ancient Athens, highlighting the integration of non-Greek groups into Greek society. |
| Xenophon | An ancient Greek historian, philosopher, and military leader who wrote about the interactions between Greeks and Thracians. | Xenophon’s writings provide valuable insights into the cultural and military exchanges between the ancient Greeks and Thracians. |
| Hoplite | A type of heavily armored infantryman in ancient Greek warfare, characterized by their use of long spears and large shields. | The hoplites were the backbone of ancient Greek armies, but were often outmaneuvered by the more mobile and flexible peltists. |
| Peloponnesian War | A devastating conflict in ancient Greece, fought between Athens and Sparta from 431 to 404 BCE. | The Peloponnesian War had a profound impact on the development of ancient Greek society and politics, and saw the introduction of new military tactics and technologies. |
| Attic Art | A style of art and architecture that originated in ancient Attica, characterized by its use of red and black colors and its depiction of mythological scenes. | Attic art often featured representations of Thracians and other non-Greek peoples, highlighting the complex and nuanced view of barbarians in ancient Greek culture. |
Vocabulary Quiz:
Test your understanding of the key vocabulary with the following quiz:
- Which word means ‘a person who is not Greek, especially in ancient times’?
- A) Hellenic
- B) Barbarian
- C) Peloponnesian
- D) Amazonian
- What was the main contribution of Thracian warriors to Greek warfare?
- A) Introduction of heavy armor
- B) Development of siege engines
- C) Introduction of the peltist, a lightly armed skirmishing unit
- D) Use of cavalry in battles
- What was the role of Scythian slaves in Athens?
- A) They were used as soldiers in the Athenian army
- B) They were used as a police force, carrying out duties under the authority of judicial magistrates
- C) They were used as craftsmen, contributing to the Athenian economy
- D) They were used as diplomats, facilitating trade with other cities
- What was the result of Greek colonization?
- A) The decline of Hellenic civilization
- B) The spread of Hellenic civilization through distant lands
- C) The isolation of Greek city-states
- D) The destruction of neighboring societies